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2020

contents

Around Town Local news and events

Feature Story Ready for launch The Space Museum in Bonne Terre has strong roots in St. Charles County

Always an Adventure Down and out

Moore on Life Daylight ravings

Automobile Alley 2020 Toyota 4Runner appeals to the adventurous

Entertainment Katherine Johnson of ‘Hidden Figures’ fame passes away at Age 101

For the Love of Food Beef up your menu with a trendy twist on sushi

Community Calendar: February

On the Cover: Submitted photo

MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 3

MARCH

2020 writers

VOL 16 | NO 3

BY AVALANCHE

Published monthly with newsstand circulation to Wentzville and Lake Saint Louis plus newsstands in O’Fallon, Troy, Lake Sherwood and Augusta.

Avalanche is a functional illiterate who left the St. Louis area three decades ago in search of adventure. He enjoys motorcycling and all things outdoors. He lives with his wife and dogs.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert Huneke

ALWAYS AN ADVENTURE – PG. 12

BY CINDY MOORE

MOORE ON LIFE – PG. 13

Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Contributors Avalanche, David Finkelstein, Cindy Moore Staff Writer Brett Auten

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

For advertising information, please contact us at:

Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph: 636.379.1775 Fx: 636.379.1632

www.mycnews.com

Copyright 2019 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Crossroads is a trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc. Any published use of Crossroads implying affiliation is strictly prohibited.

David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY – PG. 14

BY STEVE BRYAN

ENTERTAINMENT – PG. 15

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Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Around Town

Local Girl Scouts go for the gold Alejandra Castaneda, a student of Fort Zumwalt East High School and Ciara Beckemeier, a student of Winfield High School, have recently earned the mark of the truly remarkable – the Girl Scout Gold Award. These young change-makers demonstrated extraordinary leadership through a measurable and sustainable community service project. After assisting at an overnight campout in Hawaii one summer, Castaneda recognized her passion for sharing Girl Scout traditions. As a 10-year Girl Scout, Castaneda knew she wanted to give back to the organization in an impactful way. So, to earn her Gold Award, she designed a Day Camp Program and flew out to Kauai, Hawaii, to lead the future go-getters. Castaneda organized Discovery Girl Scout Day Camp, a three-day camp available to the region Girl Scouts. During the camp, girls participated in STEM activities, outdoor cooking and sang traditional Girl Scout songs. Castaneda also created a website where girls and volunteers can access songbooks, information on the highest awards and guides for troops to plan their events. A local Kauai Girl Scout troop who helped Castaneda lead the camp will continue the Day Camp series as a summer program to engage and grow their Girl Scout community. As a lifelong Girl Scout, Beckemeier wanted to have the full leadership experience, so she decided to earn her Gold Award, the highest community service award a Girl Scout can earn. After discovering her spirituality at a young age, Beckemeier decided to share her experiences by providing an opportunity for those in her community to explore their beliefs. To do this, she organized and designed faith-based

materials for elementary students. Beckemeier researched and created three spiritual studies, a presentation and a pamphlet for her Gold Award project. She then planned three classes during which she shared her lessons with the participating children. Because she recognized a need within her community, the youth group of First Baptist Church in Winfield will continue Beckemeier’s curriculum using her thoughtfully executed lesson plans. The Gold Award is earned by a high-school-aged Girl Scout who has dedicated on average more than 80 hours to address an issue she’s passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change. Whether it’s on a local, national or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts provide innovative solutions to pressing and relevant challenges.

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Timberland senior receives academy appointment Timberland High School senior Hannah Kuhlmann has received and accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. She received the nomination from Congressman Blaine Luetkenmeyer for her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2024. Kuhlmann has a 4.429 GPA and is ranked third in her class. She is currently enrolled in three Advanced Placement courses and two Project Lead the Way courses. Kuhlmann serves as treasurer of the Timberland National Honor Society, has attended Missouri Girls State, and is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, which is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. She is a four-year member of the varsity swim team, qualifying for state each year, and is a three-time all-conference and a three-time all-academic athlete. “Timberland is very proud of Hannah for being appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy,” shared Timberland Principal Dr. Kyle Lindquist. “It is a testament to her work ethic, character, and integrity. Congratulations to Hannah and her family on this wonderful accomplishment. We certainly wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.” Upon graduation from the academy, Kuhlmann will receive a commission into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 5

Around Town

TAKING IT TO THE MAT St. Charles County was well represented at the girls wrestling state championships as female participation drives new interest in the sport By Brett Auten

resting in St. Charles County is a tradition that runs deep and wide. Walk into any of its high school gyms and take note of the placards and banners dedicated to the multiple team titles of varying degrees. Notice the framed pictures of individual state champions that are displayed in the lobby. So last year, when the Missouri State High School Athletic Association made girls wrestling an official sport, it’s no surprise that St. Charles County programs are already making an impact. Mizzou Arena played host to the boys and girls state wrestling championships last month. Nigel Kinworthy is in his seventh season as a coach at St. Charles High. St. Charles sent three seniors and three underclassmen to state. Kinworthy was a state champion wrestler himself in 2003 at St. Charles West. “The Gateway Athletic Conference has been a hotbed for years,” Kinworthy said. “A lot of the girls last year were siblings to wrestlers. It is in their blood. Some programs took (girls wrestling) and ran with it and some saw it as more of a burden and more to do. We didn’t care. Whoever wants to work hard, that’s the people we want.” Holt and St. Charles High School finished in first and second place respectively in last month’s district tournament, the determining precursor to state. Francis Howell was in third. Andrew Hammond is in his second term heading up the Holt girls’ team. He, like others, sees this early success is just a sign of things to come. “Wrestling is such a big sport out here and the coaches around here really buy into it,” Hammond said. “So if you have girls who are 6 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2020

Photos provided by Wentzville School District The Holt High School girls wrestling team hoist its District championship trophy. Holt qualified seven grapplers for the Missouri State High School Athletic Association’ State Wrestling Championships held last month in Columbia.

Holt sophomore Ester Han is one of the top wrestlers in the state.

interested and want to work, it does not take long before things start clicking.” Holt had four first-place finishers from district that included sophomore Reese Compton, freshman Maria Slaughter, sophomore Esther Han, and senior Madison Hunke. Han is the defending state champion at 143-pounds and is 46-1 in her career including a 20-1 mark this season. Her title run

in 2019 capped off a 26-0 freshman season that included 23 falls, two technical falls and one major decision. Han wrestled in middle school, when she lived in Illinois before moving to the area and has a background in competitive judo. “She is very talented,” Hammond said. CONTINUED PAGE 7

Around Town “There are some nationally-ranked wrestlers in our area and she is one of them.” St. Charles High has been able to recruit standouts from other sports to give grappling a try. As a junior, Kaitlyn Clutter was one of the state’s top pole vaulters. She brought that athleticism to the mats and turned it into a second-place finish at districts and a trip to state. “This has been a really incredible journey these last two years,” she said. “I never thought I would wrestle but I am so glad that MSHSAA added the sport, it gives so many more of us the opportunity to compete at a high level.” Kylie Swinney’s name is all over the St. Charles High softball record book. Even with a scholarship to Maryville already in her pocket, Swinney opted to give the sport a try before she left. “I have one major regret and that is not wrestling last year,” Swinney said. “I know I qualified for state as a first-year wrestler but I think if I wrestled last year I could guarantee I would medal. But I’m not focused on that anymore, I am focused on a state medal.” Cassidy Head was a district champion for St. Charles High and is driven from last year’s inability to make it to Columbia. Other qualifiers for the Pirates include Caitlyn Thorne and Sabrina and Alyssa King. “Wrestling is in my family’s blood but it took a while for me to get into it,” Alyssa King said. “But now that I am a wrestler I can see why they are so passionate. Being a one-on-one

sport and solely relying on yourself for success is awesome. I cannot wait to wrestle for at least the next three years.” Troy senior Autumn Flanigan is another area standout. She won a district title by defeating fellow defending state champion Hickman’s Mary Belle Harrell. Flanigan is 52-0 over the last two seasons. With the addition of the girls comes new fans, new interest, and fresh headlines for a sport that vies for attention during the basketball-heavy winter months. “It is 100-percent better,” Kinworthy said. “During the boys’ duals, it was crickets. The girls have added not only other parents but there is some interest and intrigue.”

Photos provided by St. Charles School District St. Charles High School senior Cailtlyn Thorne led a squad of six qualifiers to the state tournament.

The St. Charles High School girls wrestling teams gather after placing second in last month’s District tournament.

Missouri Secretary of State awards summer library program grant to St. Charles City-County Library Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced St. Charles City-County Library has been awarded a Summer Library Program Grant of $10,000. “Libraries play a vital role in providing learning opportunities to people of all ages,” Ashcroft said. “These grants help Missouri’s libraries provide educational programs during a time when many patrons, particularly younger ones, have a less structured environment.” The library will use the grant to provide

a summer reading program for people of all ages. Outreach efforts will include partnerships with seven school districts in the county, as well as senior living centers and adult day care facilities. Pop-Up Libraries at community events and other locations will be provided in areas of the county without a library branch. Summer Library Program Grants help libraries expand opportunities for children, teens and adults to improve their reading skills. They also assist libraries in enriching

summer learning experiences and enhancing opportunities to reach unserved summer populations. The Missouri State Library has approved a total of 80 grant applications in the 2020 fiscal year, totaling $521,266 in federal awards that the secretary’s office has distributed to libraries throughout Missouri. The grants are funded by the Library Services and Technology Act through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 7

Around Town

Youth Tour contest now open for high school juniors Six high school juniors have an opportunity to be among thousands of students from across the country to spend this summer traveling to Washington, D.C. Entries are now being accepted for the 52nd Annual Youth Tour contest. The contest is open only to high school juniors who live and attend school in Cuivre River Electric’s general service area, or who have Cuivre River electric service in their homes. The 2020 essay theme is “My Favorite Cooperative Principle.” Entry forms are available at local high schools or www.cuivre.com. The deadline to enter is March 13. Entries remain anonymous during preliminary judging by Cuivre River Elecric staff. The 12 top-scoring essays are selected as finalists and will attend the final competition scheduled for April 8. Finalists will take a cooperative knowledge quiz and make an oral presentation of their essay. The top six finalists will be selected as Youth Tour delegates. The other six finalists will receive $500 scholarships. This year’s National Youth Tour will take place June 19-25. The sev-

Photo courtesy city www.cuivre.com

en-day youth tour provides an action-filled week for high school students, offering them opportunities to learn firsthand what it is like to be involved in politics, leadership positions, community service and today’s pressing issues. Missouri’s Youth Tour delegates will visit with representatives from their congressional districts and tour famous monuments, the Smithsonian Institution’s museums and Arlington National Cemetery.

Rock legends Styx and country star Dylan Scott to headline O’Fallon’s 2020 Heritage & Freedom Fest Headline bands for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest were announced at the Feb. 13 O’Fallon City Council meeting. This year’s starring performers are rock n’ roll legends Styx, on tour celebrating four decades of rock anthems on July 4, and country music star Dylan Scott on July 3. The 2020 Heritage & Freedom The headline band for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest are rock n’ roll legends Styx. Photo courtesy city of O’Fallon Fest will be held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex at 900 T. R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon. Opening acts activities from 4–11 p.m. (There will be no fireworks or Main Stage music on Thursday.) Carnival rides, the midway and festival food for both nights will be announced this spring. “I am extremely excited to announce this year’s entertainment as and merchandise vendors will be open for business throughout the it again features true rock legends and an upcoming country star festival over all three festival dates, July 2-4. with multiple top five hits,” said Mayor Bill Hennessy. “The O’Fallon On July 3 (2 - 11 p.m.) and July 4 (noon to 11 p.m.), the festival City Council and I are proud to welcome Styx and Dylan Scott to will get into full party mode with free concerts, fireworks, and free the Main Stage for our community to see and hear live at our city’s kids’ and family-friendly activities. On Independence Day at 9:30 biggest party of the year, the Heritage & Freedom Fest. As always, a.m., O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, which is one of the concerts are free, the bands are outstanding, and we’ll end each the biggest in the area, will step off from Main and Third streets and proceed north to Tom Ginnever Avenue, continue east on show with spectacular fireworks displays.” O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest kicks off on July 2, featuring Tom Ginnever and end at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival a carnival, a colorful midway, family-friendly sideshows and other entrance. 8 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2020

launch READY FOR

By Brett Auten

The Space Museum in Bonne Terre has strong roots in St. Charles County

he floor rumbles. Your ears fill with sonic bliss as your eyes take in clouds of smoke and fire. Here, in Bonne Terre, you are transported and placed front-row seat at the launch of the Space Shuttle. The Space Museum has over $20 million in space artifacts that are displayed showing the progression of space activity. The museum, which is a non-for profit, is opened Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and slowly but surely becoming a must-stop location for tours to educate the young and the old alike.

The Space Museum is a success thanks in large part to four St. Charles County residents who were at the forefront of this exciting time in American history. Dean Purdy, Earl Robb, Ray Tucker and Louis Mavros are former McDonnell-Douglass engineers who were paramount in making sure the museum is up to snuff. “I nicknamed them the Three Amigos plus one,” Earl Mullins, founder and president of The Space Museum, said. “For five years, nearly every weekend, they drove an hour-and-a-half, to work on this project. These guys are not CONTINUED PAGE 10

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spring chickens. It’s incredibly indicative of who they are and the people who put us into space first.” The foursome was key in renovating what is now known as the Gus Grissom Center portion of the museum. “This place was an absolute pit,” Mullins said. “They walked in and nearly walked right out. They were willing to take on a challenge. I always knew there was more to space flight than just the astronauts and I made sure that the guys who gave them the ride got their fair share of publicity.” The group stands by the fact that Missouri is the foundation of the Man Space Program. The accomplishment of landing on the moon started in the St. Charles and St. Louis area at McDonnel Astronautics. There, the design, fabrication, test, fueling and delivery of the Mercury, Gemini, and Skylab vehicles portions of the Space Shuttle, which made way for the Apollo 11 moon landing was designed and fabricated and supported by St. Charles area residents. “All of us were in the right place at the right time,” Purdy said. “We started something that had never been done before. We were all excited to go to work and ready to go back the next day.” The simple technology of that era makes what was accomplished even more impressive. “At the time, we didn’t know anything about space,” Robb said. “We had zero computers. Nothing more than a slide ruler and an adding machine.” Mavros trumpets the museum’s core value, which is education. “There are so many people 10 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2020

who don’t really know about the space program or how it has evolved,” Mavros said. “It was a challenge, but we were thrilled to be there. We would work overtime and not even think about it. It was a challenge and we were happy to get to work.” The space museum began as the dream and passion of Mullins, who as a youngster, dreamed and strived for employment in the aerospace community. Unfortunately, his time came when the United States was de-escalating its part in the Space Race and budget cuts were imposed on NASA. His chance to participate in this historic adventures went unfulfilled. As a young child, he began collecting artifacts of the Space Age and despite his unrealized dream, he continued to collect these artifacts as a way to satisfy his life’s passion By 2002, he decided that he needed to share his collection and his knowledge with others and he began proceedings to open a museum. The museum would be dedicated to his passion for space advocacy and his desire to inspire others to adopt those same ideas that carried us to the moon. The grand opening was held on June 24, 2006 with Lowell Grissom, brother of astronaut Gus Grissom, as the guest of honor, along with four Space Shuttle astronauts. It soon became apparent that being able to develop the museum to a meaningful level would require more than personal resources would allow, therefore in June of 2008 the museum was incorporated and a not-forprofit status was granted in July of that same year. Along with the lifelike shuttle movie, other attractions include a full-size robot, mini jets, a flight simulator, a portable planetarium, Segways and exhibits courtesy of the Science Center. More hard-core space enthusiasts would enjoy some of the museum’s more obscure items, such as a heat shield from Apollo 8 or an extravehicular space glove that was burned during a fire aboard the Russian Mir Space Station. “As long as we are given the opportunity, we will continue to use those artifacts of mankind’s greatest achievement to inspire future generations to do even greater things,” Mullins said. “The mission is to touch the past all while inspiring the future. This is dedicated to the education of space and how we got from the beginning of space exploration to where we are going.” The Space Museum is located at 116 East School Street in Bonne Terre. Hours are Monday – Thursday by appointment only, Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. For more information, call 573-631-2546. Submitted photos The Space Museum is located at 116 East School Street in Bonne Terre. Hours are Monday – Thursday by appointment only, Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. For more information, call 573-631-2546.

MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 11

Down and out

Photo by Avalanche

Always An Adventure

BY AVALANCHE

I WOKE UP THE DAY AFTER MY CLIMB, SPENT AND SORE. I drank as much water as I could, and took lots of electrolytes. A small breakfast was all that would sit in my gut. A good mountaineer would have completed my climb and gone on from the gully to the summit, an outing well above my ability, then looked for something else to do the next day. That said, the previous day’s adventure was quite an accomplishment for an old, banged-up guy. Looking back on it, it was the kind of undertaking that could have resulted in the Search and Rescue crew putting remains in a bag, and wondering, “What was this guy thinking?” The wind was fierce, the harbinger of an approaching storm. In between trips for water, naps were the main activity for the day. Earplugs were necessary to keep the racket of the flapping tarp down to a dull roar. I endured another night at this camp, and began the trip out the next morning, covering a few miles back to my previous campsite. Shortly after setting up this next camp, the storm finally arrived. Several inches of snow fell, and the day was spent mostly under the tarp, venturing out during lulls in the storm to take care of food, water and a little bit of hiking. The storm began to break up in the late afternoon, and as the sky cleared, the temperature began dropping. The forecast called for an overnight low of 26 degrees; it was 26 as the sun went down, and the 12 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2020

overnight low hit 10, with the ever-present wind adding to the chill. All the seemingly excess clothing I had lugged in proved to be quite welcome, as I slept in all my clothing wrapped in the sleeping bag. It was comfortable – just barely. A few more miles out the next day put me at a camp off the main trail with a good view of the mountains where I had spent the last few days. My appetite had returned, and I did my best to make up for not eating for a day. It was a good campsite to reflect on the trip, and put some old demons to rest. I used to spend as much time in this range as I could; life had thrown up some unexpected detours, and I hadn’t been back here for quite a few years. I had just completed a climb that hadn’t seemed possible anymore. That was a good thing to ponder. The next morning had me on the trail early. It was a long hike out, even with a pack lightened by more than 15 pounds worth of food and fuel consumed. There was a considerable amount of foot traffic headed into the range, as the latest blast of winter had blown out, and the sun was providing nice fall conditions. I spoke with a young guy and his girlfriend along the way. He was an enthusiastic sort, loved these mountains, and was afraid that increased usage could turn this wilderness into a National Park-type of environment. I

suggested that he use ear-buds to listen to the “music” blaring from his phone, as the rest of us had the same concerns. The last few miles out were a long, weary march, mostly through dense timber. Views of the range’s crest were few and far between, the trail muddy and slick. A couple more hours of trudging and I was back at the truck. A motel room thoughtfully reserved by Staci was a wonderful luxury, as my original plan had been to drive home immediately after getting out of the woods. A decandently long hot shower, clean clothes, and a warm, soft bed made for a pleasant ending to a fantastic journey. The assorted final numbers were 40-plus miles hiked, mostly above treeline with a heavy pack. The warmest day was 65 degrees, and the coldest night 10 degrees. The climb itself was 1,500 vertical feet, completed in five hours round trip, solo, with no belayer, and only two pitches rappelled, the rest down-climbed. There was one worried wife at home, taking care of our two giant Newfoundland “puppies”. The battery life of my new fancy satellite messenger was less than 10 percent of the advertised 240 hours. The muscle aches and sore joints subsided over the next week, as did the eye hemorrhage, a bloody reminder of a life-altering injury. Best of all, the trip redefined what might be possible in the future.

Moore On Life

Daylight ravings

IT’S HERE AGAIN. THAT WEIRD TIME IN MARCH. “You mean the holiday when we violently pinch those not wearing green; the time when we force ourselves to shove corned beef and cabbage down our throats even though we hate it; the holiday we party around like happy little leprechauns till we pass out?” Wow! I though my idea was weird, but you’re right, that is one messed up holiday. Well then…ahem…the second weirdest time of the month--daylight savings time. History tells us that daylight savings time was originated by, George Hudson, the famous entomologist. “Who the heck is he? And what’s an entomologist?” He just happened to be a renowned scientist who studied insects. He believed that by creating a two-hour time shift, he’d have more after-work hours of sunshine in

which to go bug hunting in the summer. But there are advantages and disadvantages with the time switch. Let’s go over some. Pro: People shop more during extended daylight hours. More shopping and more sunshine release more endorphins. Endorphins stream through our system like happy little bugs. Back off Hudson! Con: I could very well explode from an overdose of endorphins. Pro: Our math skills sharpen. When the clock is changed I am constantly adding or subtracting hours to find the “real” time. Alarm goes off at 6 a.m. “Let’s see, six minus one hour means…it’s really 5 a.m.! Wake me when it’s nine minus one!” Con: Mentally we can’t adjust and physically our bodies never truly adjust. Our seasonal timing is severely affected. Similar to

the physical jolt that happens when I walk into Hobby Lobby at the end of August and the Christmas decorations are up. I began to twitch and shudder and physically feel a gust of frigid air and mentally begin to hear “Jingle Bells” playing in my mind. I experience a seasonal meltdown. Pro: The crime rate drops. The first day of daylight savings saw robberies fall seven percent. The alarm goes off at 4 a.m. and robbers say, “It’s really 3 a.m.! Much too early to plunder and pillage!” Further proof that criminals are lazy lumps. Con: There are more accidents. Pedestrian squish-ups are three times higher. But when compared with texting while walking, it came out much lower. So we can thank the Bug Man for making our lives really messed up, but not as messed up as that holiday when we celebrate green. MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 13

Automobile Alley

THE 2020

TOYOTA 4RUNNER IF YOU TEND TO BE SOMEWHAT ADVENTUROUS WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER THE 2020 TOYOTA 4RUNNER! This latest model is classified as the fifth generation of this “go anywhere, hill-climbing, boattowing, family transport” as it was first introduced back in 1984. Based on a solid body-on-frame, tough as nails underside architecture, its inherent capabilities starts with its four-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. The robust chassis is also the source of 4Runner’s notable ride quality. It’s offered with either two-wheeldrive or 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and locking center differential, depending on the vehicle’s trim. All 4WD models feature 9.6 inches of ground clearance. 4Runner makes its presence felt with new safety enhancements plus numerous benchmark technologies, comfort and convenience upgrades. Toyota’s safety suite is now standard on all grades, making it even more of a compelling choice. With room for up to seven, this generation 4Runner is the most capable, accommodating and most comfortable thus far. All versions now come with a new instrument panel design. This also includes a high-resolution eight-inch touchscreen display for the factory’s multimedia audio system. This also includes the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. 14 | CROSSROADS | MARCH 2020

appeals to the adventurous

You can easily navigate your smart phone content or ask Siri, Google or Alexa to recommend a nearby campsites, or to perhaps find a restaurant that might just deliver food to your secret hiding spot. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the addition of two USB ports to charge their devices. The 4Runner TRD Pro model gained the most off-road capabilities with its reworked suspension and its “Cat-Back” growl sounding performance exhaust system. The vehicle’s 4.0-liter V-6 engine (rated at 270-HP) is matched with a smooth shifting five-speed automatic transmission that includes a sequential shift mode for manually shifting when more control is needed. Those opting for the top-of-the line 4Runner Limited grade can choose the Nightshade Special Edition that debuted in 2019. Available in Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic or Blizzard Pearl, the Nightshade Special Edition in-part gets its name from extensive black exterior trim, black wheels, its unique rear bumper and grille accents, solitary exterior mirrors and door handles plus exclusive window moldings, rocker panels, and door garnish. Undeniably, its rugged look maintains a timeless robust style all its own. For 2020, there are slight changes to the grill design, and every model features projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps plus a full size spare tire. All models include

a standard integrated tow-hitch and wiring harness. To add to the cargo carrying space, the second-row seats fold flat plus the available rear pull-out cargo deck can support up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading heavy items easier. Base pricing starts at $36,120. At road test, the 4X4 TRD PRO I drove, had an MSRP of $51,968 and the EPA numbers reflected 16-MPG city/19-MPG highway. 4Runner is competitive with the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Tahoe and the Dodge Durango.

Entertainment

Katherine Johnson of ‘Hidden Figures’ fame passes away at Age 101 BY STEVE BRYAN

hen Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon in 1969, it was a momentous accomplishment. Eight years earlier, John F. Kennedy set a goal of landing men on the lunar surface and work began in earnest, especially in St. Louis. The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation (MAC) created space capsules used in the Mercury and Gemini programs that helped astronauts gain skills needed to reach the moon by Kennedy’s deadline. Mathematician Katherine Johnson, who passed away recently at age 101, also was an invaluable part of the space race. One of the subjects of the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” Johnson’s work helped make Alan Shepherd’s 1961 sub-orbital flight possible. Her calculations also helped John Glenn return safely to Earth in Friendship 7. Before Armstrong made his “giant leap,” Johnson worked on the math needed to get the lunar lander on the moon. The early trailers for “Hidden Figures” were a bit misleading, though, making the story appear to be a broad comedy instead of a tribute to the women who helped the space race. Taraji P. Henson played Johnson in the film and focused on the brilliant mathematician’s struggles to do her job. She also dealt with discrimination because of her race. Not allowed to use a nearby “Whites Only” restroom, the movie showed Johnson rushing across the Langley Research Center campus to find a bathroom. Johnson and her brilliant female colleagues were referred to as “computers,” doing their calculations with slide rulers, pencils and papers. Dorothy Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer in “Hidden Figures,” was one of Johnson’s colleagues. When NASA was moving from human computers to those made of circuits and wires, Vaughan created an opportunity for herself by learning FORTRAN, one of the early computer languages. The on-screen version of Vaughan is shown teaching herself how to program and earning a promotion in the process.

BIGSTOCK

Katherine Johnson (center) with Caroline Waterlow and Ezra Edelman at the 89th Annual Academy Awards in 2017.

For decades, the title “Hidden Figures” truly applied to Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson. In the film, Janelle Monáe played Jackson, who worked on the Supersonic Pressure Tunnel that was used to study strong forces. Her boss encouraged her to get additional training so that she could become an aerospace engineer. She needed to take courses at an all-white high school; however, and had to fight for the right to take the necessary classes. On the surface, “Hidden Figures” is a brilliant, engaging film that contains an Oscar-nominated performance by Octavia Spencer. At a time when STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is highly important, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson are figures that continue to inspire young people to follow their dreams.

MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 15

For the Love of Food

F E BEup your MENU with a trendy twist on sushi Tantalizing taste buds with the latest in trendy foods can be a fun way to bring the whole family to the table for meals together. Combining familiar flavors with a new preparation method, for example, is one way to add flair to dinners at home. An innovative sushi-style concept, â€œbeefshiâ€? features convenient beef products like pastrami, roast beef, summer sausage, hot dogs, corned beef or bologna prepared in rolls with rice and vegetables. Because recipes like Reuben Roll, Taco Maki, New York Deli Roll and Muffarolletta can be enjoyed individually as appetizers or grouped together for a full meal, these dishes can provide a variety of solutions from entertaining a crowd to simply feeding your family. Find more information and recipes at beefshi.com. Recipes courtesy of the North American Meat Institute on behalf of the Beef Checkoff

Taco Maki Yield: 2 rolls (16 pieces)

Ingredients: Hand Vinegar: 1 cup water 1/4 cup rice vinegar Maki: 2 sheets nori 4 cups sushi rice 4 ounces finely shredded spicy beef jerky 16 cilantro sprigs 1/2 cup slivered radishes 64 tortilla strips quesofresco crumbles pico de gallo

To make hand vinegar: In small bowl, stir water and rice vinegar. To make maki: Lay sushi mat on clean surface. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Place one nori sheet on mat, shiny-side down. Spread 2 cups rice

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across nori, leaving 1 inch empty at farthest end. Lay 2 ounces jerky, 8 cilantro sprigs and 1/4 cup radishes crosswise along rice, covering half the surface closest to you. Securing jerky, cilantro and radishes with fingers, use thumbs to push end of mat up and over filling until edge of nori meets rice on opposite side. Press firmly on roll.

Lift top of mat and roll firmly until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape roll. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Use thin, sharp knife to cut each roll into eight slices. Arrange on sushi platter. Stand four tortilla strips upright in center of each roll then sprinkle with queso fresco. Serve with pico de gallo.

For the Love of Food

New York Deli Roll

Reuben Roll

Yield: 2 rolls (16 pieces)

Hand Vinegar:

Futomaki:

Hand Vinegar:

Rolls:

1 cup water

2 sheets nori

1 cup water

12 thin slices pastrami

1/4 cup rice vinegar

3 cups sushi rice

1/4 cup rice vinegar

3 cups sushi rice

2 teaspoons caraway seeds

1 teaspoon caraway seeds

6 thin slices corned beef

2 sheets nori

4 teaspoons horseradish, well-drained

4 thin slices Swiss cheese, cut into slivers

4 thin slices Swiss cheese, sliced into thin sticks

1 1/4 cups sauerkraut, rinsed, drained and squeezed dry

Dijon mustard

Russian dressing

To make hand vinegar: In small bowl, stir water and rice vinegar.

To make futomaki: Lay sushi mat on clean surface and cover with plastic wrap. Place one nori sheet on mat, shiny-side down. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Spread 1 1/2 cups rice across nori. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Turn nori over so rice side is down.

To make rolls: Lay sushi mat on clean surface and cover with plastic wrap. Lay six slices pastrami on mat lengthwise. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Spread 1 1/2 cups rice across pastrami, leaving 1 inch empty at farthest end. Sprinkle rice with caraway seeds. Turn nori over so rice side is down.

Cover half the rice crosswise with three slices corned beef. Spread corned beef with 2 teaspoons horseradish. Cover corned beef with two slices cheese.

Cover half the pastrami crosswise with two slices cheese and half the sauerkraut.

Securing meat and cheese with fingers, use thumbs to push end of mat up and over filling until edge of nori meets rice on opposite side. Press firmly on roll. Lift top of mat and roll firmly until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape roll. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Arrange on sushi platter and serve with Dijon mustard.

Securing meat and cheese with fingers, use thumbs to push end of mat up and over filling until edge of nori meets rice on opposite side. Press firmly on roll. Lift top of mat and roll firmly until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Use thin, sharp knife to cut each roll into eight slices. Arrange on sushi platter and serve with Russian dressing. MARCH 2020 | CROSSROADS | 17

For the Love of Food Advertiser Profile

Muffarolletta Yield: 2 rolls (16 pieces)

Hand Vinegar:

Rolls:

1 cup water

8 thin slices beef salami

1/4 c up rice vinegar Rice:

3 thin slices part-skim mozzarella, cut into sticks

1/2 c up mixed olives, patted dry and finely chopped

3 thin slices provolone, cut into sticks

2 teaspoons capers, patted dry and finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped celery leaves toasted sesame seeds

1 clove garlic, minced

shaved celery

3 cups sushi rice freshly ground black pepper, to taste

on clean surface and cover with plastic wrap. Lay four slices salami on mat, overlapping by about 1/2 inch, to create surface 7 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Moisten hands with hand vinegar and shake off excess. Cover salami with 1 1/2 cups sushi rice, leaving 1 inch empty at farthest end. Arrange half of each cheese along center of rice crosswise, covering half of rice closest to you. Sprinkle cheese with 1/8 cup celery leaves.

To make hand vinegar: In small bowl, stir water and rice vinegar.

mix olives, capers, garlic and rice; season with pepper, to taste.

Securing cheese with fingers, use thumbs to push end of mat up and over filling until one edge of rice meets opposite side. Press firmly on roll.

To make rice: In small bowl,

To make rolls: Lay sushi mat

Lift top of mat and roll firmly

until tight and round. Squeeze gently to shape roll. Press ends in carefully to secure loose rice. Remove mat, peel off plastic and set roll aside. Repeat to make second roll. Slice each roll into eight rounds, arrange on sushi platter and sprinkle each slice with sesame seeds. Serve with shaved celery.

Wentzville EDC Business Spotlight

Dr. Amy Fridley of Fridley Chiropractic has served Wentzville area residents since 2000. The location at 1 W. Koenig has been in operation since October 2016 when a brand-new facility was constructed to better serve our growing patient base. The building was the first new building constructed in Historic Downtown in several years. We provide chiropractic services and offer good health to our patients and the community. We love the hometown feel and growth occurring in the downtown area. We take many forms of insurance .Stop by for a visit, call for an appointment at (636) 332-1769 or look us up on our website at www.drfridley.com.

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Community Calendar

MARCH 2 – Read Across America Day 6 – Employee Appreciation Day 8 – Daylight Saving Time Begins 10 – Missouri Primary Elections 12-14 – Theater production

The Holt High School Theatre Department will present Joseph Kesselring’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” on March 12, 13, and 14. The performance will be held at the C.H. Jones Auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students when purchased online; tickets are available at the door for $8 for adults and $6 for students.

14 – Trivia night

Enjoy an evening of trivia at St. Dominic High School’s 2020 PALS Trivia Night. The doors to St. Dominic’s Fallon Family Center open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit St. Dominic’s performing arts programs. Register online at www.stdominichs.org/ trivia.

17 – St. Patrick’s Day 19 – First Day of Spring 17 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day 21 – Quilt social

Spring Fling Quilt Social will be held at Immaculate Conception Parish at Dardenne Prairie. Doors open at 10 a.m. and bingo begins at noon. Lunch is available for purchase.

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